The building that houses The Brookfield Theatre for the Arts was originally a gymnasium for The Curtis School for Boys. First established in 1875 in Bethlehem, Connecticut by Frederick S. Curtis, the school was moved to Long Meadow Hill in 1883 and then to the present site that was the former Goodsell Estate in 1886.

In 1906 the price for one school year was six hundred dollars. This included “tuition, board, a seat in church, lighting and worming, the care and mending of clothing, and the use of school books.” In the 1920s, girls were allowed to enroll as day students.

This is the second gymnasium for the Curtis School. The first was destroyed by fire in 1906. The present stone building was built in 1907. The Curtis School closed its doors in 1943.

The gymnasium was purchased by the Brookfield Country Players in 1959 and, since then, has been used as a theatre/playhouse for year-round plays and musicals.

The Paddy Awards is an evening to celebrate and honor the achievements of the previous season, provide a sneak peak of the coming season, and thank the many people who work so hard to make TBTA the very special community theatre that it is. It began as a tradition many years ago and the award is named after the husband of Tilly Ciccala (7/13/23–3/6/94), a founder of the theatre. Highlights include Volunteer of the Year which is awarded to someone who has given exceptional service to the theatre.